Pack your bags for a road trip and don't forget the stretchy pants, because Yelp just released its Top 100 Places to Eat for 2018. The Yelp Top 100 list is based on ratings and number of reviews as well as quality and popularity. What they've come up with is a list of restaurants that run the gamut of prices and cuisines across the nation.
Here in Texas, eight restaurants made the list, some of them returning for at least a second year in a row. All of the establishments are must-tries, from giant sandwiches to dessert empanadas to Brazilian street food.
Editor's Note: All numbers are in the order in which they appear in the Yelp list.
23. Tony's Italian Delicatessen
16283 Hwy 105 W, Ste 9, Montgomery, TX 77356
This deli dropped from its spot at #1 on last year's Top 100 list, but that doesn't mean the food here is any less than amazing. Changing owners late last year doesn't seem to have affected the quality (or the size) of these sandwiches with names like Lucky Luciano and J. Gandolfini.
36. Tommy Tamale Market & Cafe
1689 W Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX 76051
Grab your tamales to go or eat in the cute little market area of this family-run tamale shop near the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. With personal service and world-class food, it's no wonder they're opening a second location in Coppell, Texas soon.
46. Le' Pam's House of Creole
1644 Fm 1960 W, Ste A, Houston, TX 77090
Chef Pamela Graham has both Houston and New Orleans roots, being born in the former and raised in the latter. She came back to Texas in 2012 and opened a restaurant that serves the best Cajun food in Houston (and maybe all of Texas, based on the glowing reviews). Chef Pam often meets guests at the door or checks on them at the table while offering a sample of the restaurant's gumbo.
47. Empa Mundo
3977 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75038
Empa Mundo
Any true food lover knows that many of the best places to eat are tiny holes in the wall, often located in strip malls or gas stations or some other off the beaten path location. Empa Mundo is one of those places.
Unassuming, but oh so good, they offer 18 flavors of empanadas like Criolla (ground beef, onions, olives, raisins, eggs), pulled pork, brisket, spinach and cheese, and — I kid you not — pumpkin and marshmallow.
65. Gino's Deli Stop N Buy
13210 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
A San Antonio institution, Gino's has the best Philly Cheese Steak in Texas according to their reviews. But vegetarians won't go hungry here either, with Gino's Black Bean Sandwich on the menu. The restaurant is located inside the convenience store, though with it's spot on the Yelp Top 100 list, we expect this hidden gem to be less of a secret from now on.
73. Yoyo's Hot Dog
5555 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
A hot dog cart might sound like a stretch for a best eats list, but Yoyo's inspires mega love from people across Houston. The hot dogs (from New York's Nathans) are topped with Sriracha, honey mayo, curry ketchup, caramelized onions, fried onions, and cream cheese (or you can customize from that list).
83. Yia Yia's House of Gyros
904 E Davis St, Ste 400, Mesquite, TX 75149
Yelp: Connie H.
One of the common notes in all the Texas restaurants that made the Yelp Top 100 is that the service tends to be just as good as the food. Here at The House of Gyros, you're made to feel like family from the greeting you get when you walk in the door to Yiayia's (Grandma's) specialties on the menu.
86. Boteco
1403 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Boteco
Another returning restaurant from the 2017 list, Boteco is an Austin-based food truck that serves Brazilian street food. If you've never had yuca fries, now's the time. Boteco prides themselves on their laid-back vibe and their food gets rave reviews.
Get the whole Yelp Top 100 list here and compare it to your list of best places to eat.
